Restaurant`s Access For Handicapped Adequate

August 11, 1985|By Stephen Wissink, Staff Writer

HOLLYWOOD — After a 15-week investigation done at the request of Gov. Bob Graham, city officials have determined that access for the handicapped at the refurbished Hemmingway Restaurant is adequate under state law.

City Building Inspector Jim Rodgers determined that Hemmingway`s conformed with state law even though it doesn`t have an elevator to take handicapped people to its second-floor banquet facilities.

Hemmingway`s allows civic groups and private parties to use first-floor facilities if access by the handicapped is required.

``That was the legally correct thing to do,`` said Assistant City Attorney Saul Smolar.

On March 31, civic activist Martha Curry wrote to Graham complaining that Hemmingway`s second-floor banquet facilities were unreachable to the handicapped. Curry, whose leg problems restrict her ability to walk, complained she was unable to walk up a flight of steps to the second-floor banquet room.

On April 22, after receiving a letter from Graham, city officials began investigating whether the restaurant was required to have an elevator.

Rodgers withheld the restaurant`s certificate of occupancy while the issue was researched. Rodgers, who wanted the restaurant to install the elevator at a cost of $15,000, said he issued the certificate of occupancy on Friday because the restaurant met state law and building requirements. Under state law, an elevator isn`t needed as long as first-floor facilities are accessible to the handicapped.

``We can`t deny a certificate for moral reasons,`` said City Engineer Marshall Bergacker. ``Everybody agrees the situation would be better if an elevator were there.``

Since 1983, Hemmingway`s, 219 N. 21st Ave, has spent $280,000 to build second-story facilities and to renovate a kitchen, according to city records.

Hemmingway spokesman George Mora said restaurant workers will help people in wheelchairs up its stairs to the second-story banquet facilities. He also said the restaurant is studying plans to install an elevator.

``We make it clear both in writing and verbally that handicapped facilities are available,`` Mora said.

An aide to Graham said the governor`s office is satisfied.

``If the handicapped have access to banquet rooms on the first floor, there should be no problem,`` said Mary Leone, an aide to Graham.